Russellville Man Facing Criminal Charges After Spanking Stepdaughter
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
A Russellville man could face up to six years in prison for spanking his 8-year old stepdaughter after she broke a bed.
Patrick Heaton, 36, was arrested after admitting to police he swatted the child with a wooden paddle and spoon after she repeatedly jumped on a bed.
He also shoved the girl, causing him to fall backward, police said.
Heaton faces charged of second-degree battery.
Under Arkansas law, parents are allowed to use corporal punishment. But they`re not allowed to hit the child in the face or head, shake the child or use a closed fist.
Heaton is expected back in court in February.
